One of the most recognizable and enduring gestures in Buddhist iconography is the teaching mudra, where the thumb and index finger touch to form a circle, with the other fingers extended outward.

Known formally as the Dharmachakra Mudra—the “gesture of turning the wheel of the Dharma”—this sacred hand position encapsulates the essence of the Buddha’s mission: to teach the path to liberation.

From ancient stone carvings to modern-day statues, this mudra is an icon of enlightened speech, spiritual transmission, and the eternal movement of universal truth.

What Is a Mudra?

In Sanskrit, the word mudra means “seal” or “sign.” In the Buddhist tradition, mudras are ritual hand gestures that convey specific states of mind, doctrinal meanings, or narrative moments. Each mudra is more than a decorative pose—it is a symbolic language used in meditation, ritual, and art to communicate spiritual truths without words.

The Dharmachakra Mudra is one of the most important among the many mudras used in Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism.

Meaning of the Dharmachakra Mudra (Teaching Gesture)

The Dharmachakra Mudra literally translates as “Turning the Wheel of the Dharma.” It refers to the moment when the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, gave his first sermon at Deer Park in Sarnath, shortly after attaining enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.

In this gesture:

• The thumb and index finger touch at their tips to form a circle, symbolizing perfection, unity, and the cyclical nature of existence.

• The circle also represents the Dharma wheel (Dharmachakra)—Buddha’s teachings that liberate beings from the cycle of suffering (samsara).

• The three extended fingers of each hand represent the Three Jewels:

  • The Buddha (the enlightened teacher)

  • The Dharma (his teachings)

  • The Sangha (the community of practitioners)

This mudra is often formed with both hands held in front of the chest, sometimes with one hand rotated inward and the other outward, indicating the continuous transmission of wisdom and the dialogue between teacher and disciple.

Historical Context and Artistic Representation

The teaching mudra first appeared prominently in Gupta-era art (4th–6th century CE), a period that laid the foundations of classical Indian Buddhist iconography. From there, the gesture traveled across Asia, appearing in varied forms in:

• Gandharan reliefs of early Buddhist scenes

• Ajanta cave murals, India

• Khmer and Thai bronze Buddhas, Southeast Asia

• Tibetan thangka paintings, where it is associated with celestial Buddhas like Vairocana

• Japanese and Chinese Buddhist sculpture, where it often accompanies depictions of Shakyamuni Buddhaduring his first sermon

In Theravāda Buddhism, the gesture is less common, but the principle of teaching and transmission remains central to the tradition.

Symbolism of the Circle: The Wheel of Dharma

The circle formed by the thumb and index finger is not only an aesthetic element but a core spiritual symbol. It represents:

• The endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara)

• The perfect nature of the Dharma, without beginning or end

• The wheel (chakra) that turns to guide beings from ignorance toward enlightenment

The Dharmachakra, or Eight-Spoked Wheel, is itself a central symbol of Buddhism—each spoke representing one aspect of the Noble Eightfold Path, such as Right View, Right Action, and Right Mindfulness.

Thus, when the Buddha is shown performing this mudra, he is not just teaching in the ordinary sense—he is setting in motion the cosmic truth that leads to liberation.

Associated Deities and Iconographic Variations

While Shakyamuni Buddha is the most common figure to display the Dharmachakra Mudra, others include:

• Vairocana Buddha: In Vajrayana Buddhism, this celestial Buddha often assumes the gesture as a sign of cosmic teaching and inner realization.

• Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, is sometimes shown teaching with similar hand positions in East Asian traditions.

• In Tibetan art, the mudra may appear in tandem with mantra recitation or esoteric meditative visualization practices.

The Mudra in Meditation and Practice

Though primarily seen in sculpture and painting, the Dharmachakra Mudra is also used in meditative and ritual practices, especially in Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism. Practitioners may assume this gesture during:

• Visualization of the Buddha teaching

• Recitation of the Dharma teachings

• Symbolic reenactment of the First Turning of the Wheel

It reminds the practitioner not only to learn the Dharma but also to live it and transmit it through compassionate action.

Dharmachakra Mudra in Buddhist Art

In Buddhist sculpture, the teaching mudra is a hallmark of images meant to convey wisdom, leadership, and instruction. Common features include:

• Calm, symmetrical posture with hands raised to chest level

• Graceful and balanced hand positioning to show harmony of body and mind

• Sometimes framed by a halo or dharma wheel motif in the background

Many of these works, from ancient sandstone reliefs to elegant bronze figures, are held in major collections or featured in temple shrines throughout Asia.

At HDAsianArt.com, we proudly offer select pieces that showcase this elegant and profound mudra—suitable for meditation spaces, teaching halls, or art collections that appreciate the intersection of beauty and spiritual insight.

Conclusion: A Gesture of Eternal Teaching

The Dharmachakra Mudra, formed by the gentle joining of thumb and finger, carries immense spiritual weight. It captures a moment of cosmic importance—the Buddha’s first teaching—and invites all beings to awaken through wisdom, compassion, and mindful living.

In a world seeking clarity and connection, this gesture reminds us that true teaching is a continuous turning—a wheel in motion—guided by truth and sustained by compassion.

Explore Teaching Mudra Statues

At HDAsianArt.com, our collection includes Buddha statues with the teaching mudra, crafted in bronze, wood, and stone, from the rich artistic traditions of India, Thailand, and Cambodia. Each piece honors the ancient legacy of wisdom passed from teacher to student, from heart to heart.

Explore our collection and bring home a piece of the Dharma in form.